One of the many unhappy consequences of Colorado’s catastrophic floods in September was that some good news — important news — got pushed out of the newspaper as we scrambled to cover the disaster.

One of those missed events in mid-September happened in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. It was a moment 122 years in the making.

Central Baptist Church ordained the first three women in its long history.

Senior Pastor Henry L. Armington Sr. presided.

“I’m all about breaking barriers — race, ethnicity, denomination or gender — that are distorting kingdom building,” Armington told The Denver Post just before the Sept. 15 event.

The women asked for ordination. Church deacons approved it, and a good turnout of the church body of about 400 overwhelmingly voted for it. Armington officially accepted the recommendation at a church council in late 2012.

“It was unanimous,” said Rev. Earline L. Hardy. “There were no objections. No questions. It was very surprising.

“I have mixed feelings — a little excitement and a tad bit of fear, or at least uncertainty,” Hardy said a few days before her ordination. “But after you’ve been in the ministry a long time, you want to go to the next level.”

Hardy had worked in youth ministry for more than 10 years. Now, with ordination, she and her peers will be able to lead congregations and conduct all the rites of the church, including those at baptisms, weddings and funerals.

“A host of ministers, both male and female, have attempted this journey only to experience setbacks and downfalls,” Armington said. “It’s uncommon. Our Gospel ministry is being expanded, moving forward and not being stagnant.”

Where is your moral compass pointing? What are your social values? Hark will explore faith, morals, ethics and character at the intersection of religion ethics, culture, politics, media, science, education, economics and philosophy. At times this blog will alert readers to breaking news and trends. At times it will attempt to look more deeply into intriguing subjects. Hark means to listen attentively, and we will, as readers talk back to the news.